Posted on 03/23/2021 6:22:28 PM PDT by marshmallow
After weeks of tensions over the internationalisation of Lebanon’s crisis and the proposed UN conference, the parties open talks. For Hares Chehab, neutrality is a complex issue that needs to be explored. The Shia party’s weapons remain a stumbling block. The two sides pledge to meet again.
Beirut (AsiaNews) – “The resumption of talks between the Maronite patriarchate and Hezbollah last week was an event in itself,” said lawyer Hares Chehab, co-chairman of the National Committee for Islamic-Christian Dialogue, speaking to AsiaNews. Along with Maronite patriarchal vicar Bishop Samir Mazloum, he led talks with two members of Hezbollah's political bureau, Mohammad Saïd Khansa and Mustapha Hajj Ali.
“The lack of personal contact is detrimental to dialogue,” Chehab said. “It unintentionally creates a feeling of estrangement and coldness.” This “had to be dispelled and we have done it. The meeting prepares the ground for more elaborate discussions.”
The same feeling, it seems, is found on Hezbollah’s side. According to analyst Kassem Kassir, who is close to this party. The latter “wished to express its satisfaction by publishing a press release and a photo of the meeting, which never happened in the past.“
For the past few weeks, Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi has been calling for an international conference under the aegis of the United Nations to address the crisis in Lebanon, a proposal for internationalisation considered with suspicion by Hezbollah.
The prelate has also defended the principle of neutrality to which he now wishes to confer a constitutional character.
The meeting of the joint committee was meant to ease the tensions between the patriarchate and the popular base of Hezbollah, revived since a large-scale rally took place on 27 February, during which the head of the Maronite Church attacked, without naming it, the armed Shia party.
“We have talked broadly about.........
(Excerpt) Read more at asianews.it ...
Hezbollah has been protecting Christians. At least for now.
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